Rules set by the USL, or United Soccer League, stipulate that by 2020 all USL clubs have to be owners or primary tenants of soccer-specific stadiums. Fresno Football Club currently shares Chukchansi Park with the Fresno Grizzlies.

“My staff and I have met with the Fresno Foxes at least 11 times since January of last year to talk about possible stadium locations,” said Mayor Lee Brand.

“We’ve met with them on-site to look at the possibility of converting Selland Arena to soccer, using the Convention Center parking lot as a soccer stadium, building a stadium at Lot 1 behind Chukchansi Park, the City’s Regional Sports Complex and we also toured a variety of sites around Fresno.”

Area Councilmember Miguel Arias credits Mayor Brand’s efforts, describing his work as “above and beyond.”

“We continue to be open to discussions that result in a mutually beneficial agreement that keeps them here,” said Councilmember Miguel Arias.